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Results: Banaue Lodge

TerraViva has officially released the complete list of awarded projects of the architecture contest entitled “Banaue Lodge”.

With the ambition of promoting a kind of slow and sustainable tourism, capable not only of respecting local traditions but also of guaranteeing care for the environment, this competition aimed at imagining a whole new design of lodging that could perfectly fit into the amazing landscape of the Philippine Banaue Rice Terraces. Participants were therefore asked to envision creative proposals focused on a unique and functional type of structure capable of redefining accommodation options for hikers.

The winning projects demonstrated exceptional creativity and thoughtful design. They masterfully managed to activate and harmonise with the site by incorporating the existing natural elements, such as the rice terraces and water features into their layouts. These designs strike a remarkable balance between connection and privacy, creating immersive experiences that invite visitors to engage deeply with the landscape. Sophisticated integration into local architecture and thoughtful consideration of viewing experiences ensure that these structures blend seamlessly with the environment while offering breath-taking views. Overall, these projects showcase a perfect combination of tradition and innovation, creating welcoming, unified spaces that resonate with both locals and visitors.

 

The competition was open to students, architects, designers, urbanists, engineers, makers, artists and anyone interested in the fields of architecture and design.

The winners were selected by an international jury panel composed by:

  • Bahar Partovi | Bahar Partovi Design Studio [Houston, USA]
  • Alban Wagener | Alban Wagener Architecture [Porto, Portugal]
  • Liwei Shen | Sasaki Associates [Boston, USA]
  • Nikhil Calas | Faire [Paris, France]
  • Mingshan Fang | Gensler [Los Angeles, USA]
  • Alexandra Papadaki | FBW [Utrecht, Netherlands]
  • Ronay Baris Civas | Karaca Architekten [Berlin, Germany]
  • Maryam Mahvash | Emily Carr University [Vancouver, Canada]

 

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WINNERS

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1ST PLACE

The Second Terrace Lodge [Reconnecting with Nature and Vernacular]
Leonardo Zuccaro, Marchi, Sara Sabry, Shubham Majumder
Italy – Egypt – India

 

The second terrace lodge                         

Reconnecting with nature and vernacular

The project stems from the landscape, which is the most important and exciting socio-cultural and natural element that characterizes the Ifugao Community. The Banaue Rice Terraces are the main inspiration for designing a contemporary architectural lodge project, which should be integrated with the existing nature and vernacular activities of the community without being disruptive and alienating.

The terraces testify to a long synergy between the community and the steep slopes of the mountains, and they are generated thanks to a clever and respectful use of natural resources such as water and the earth. THE TERRACE Lodge is in continuity with this wise vernacular legacy, becoming part of the historical terraced landscape and, at the same time, propelling a brand-new contemporary connection experience between nature and people.

Inspired by the Bahay Kubo materiality, the project is made by three volumes with two floors hosting 7 apartments (6 single and 1 for family) which are connected by a main retaining wall in continuity with the wall of the terrace above. The existing path, which dissects the entire terraced hill, connects the project on the ground floor and the first floor, allowing the new project to integrate with the present paths and habits.

Water is one of the main elements considered for reconnecting with nature. The new terrace frames an internal courtyard, where water flows from the terrace above and continues to spill into the terrace below without altering the site’s existing ecosystem. The water court is a relaxing space for meditation and social interaction, filled with local plants and crops, reiterating the human-natural connection with the site. While preserving the inner courtyard for cultivating the regional Oryza Sativa Rice, we’re using the rest of the terrace for other local crops, such as: sweet potato, taro, corn and coffee; to enhance contextual sensitivity. The roof of the main building is filled with water as well, and it is integrated with the existing agricultural activities of the rice field above.

Finally, blending contemporary architecture with the vernacular-landscape elements will be a new challenge for our future practice. The SECOND TERRACE Lodge cleverly achieves a respectful avant-garde for a correct synergy with natural presences and local communities.

 

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About the First Prize – Bahar Partovi – Bahar Partovi Design Studio
“This project creatively activates the site by carving into the landscape and utilizing a retaining wall. The rice terrace becomes an integral part of the building, and the building, in turn, takes on a protective role over the rice terrace. This creates a shared language between locals and visitors, fostering a more private area for visitors to immerse themselves in learning about the landscape and its processes. The design achieves a remarkable balance between connection and privacy.”

About the First Prize – Mingshan Fang – Gensler
“The design is delightful with its creatively introducing of a water features, visioning a unified and welcoming landscape. The flowing water blurs the site boundary, symbolizes a continuous connection between visitors and the local community, and serves as a passive cooling strategy. The retaining walls are also worth mentioning; they gracefully vary the space, set a tone of subtlety, and ensure the design’s structural soundness. The construction sequence for the terraced lodge is very thoughtful, and unfolds like poetry. Very compelling storytelling and beautiful drawings.”

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2ND PLACE

Inn the Kubo
Beatrice Maggi, Matteo Miranda
Italy

 

Our project “Inn the Kubo” aims to respectfully integrate into the natural context, preserving it while minimizing the impact on the landscape. The goal is to enhance the surrounding rice field and offer backpackers an immersive experience.

We have designed a complex consisting of four small, essential structures that can accommodate a total of eight backpackers. At the center of the area a larger structure is dedicated to conviviality and interaction with the local community, fostering cultural exchange. The buildings, connected by walkways, are elevated on stilts above the rice fields. This solution not only preserves local agriculture but also offers visitors the opportunity to fully dive into the  local traditions.

Studying local architectural tradition was essential to develop the entire project. We delved into the composition of the Bahay Kubo, a traditional Filipino house with a large sloping roof – under which common activities take place – and an elevated, more private space for the bedrooms. We reinterpreted this model to adapt it for hostel use, breaking it down into small units: three minimal bedrooms, a shared bathroom, and a large roof that serves as a common space.

A major part of our design considerations focused on enhancing the view on the rice fields and using natural light. Therefore, each room has three distinct openings: a reclining wall that transforms into a small terrace overlooking the valley, offering visitors an intimate space for contemplation; a window framing a defined view on the landscape; and a skylight that allows zenithal light to enter, making the inevitably compact and essential space brighter and airier.

The common area is spread over three levels: the first is a small lounge that functions as bar, reception and resting area. The second level, dedicated to moments of conviviality and interaction with the local community, is covered with a semi-transparent textile material that creates a cozy and intimate environment without obstructing the view of the surrounding landscape. Finally, the top level stands out over the rice fields and is designed for the contemplation of the panorama, offering a 360-degree view of this unique environment.

We chose sustainable and local materials to integrate respectfully into the context and involve the local community in the construction phases of the complex. The structure of the buildings is made of wood, while the shadings are made of bamboo. For the roofing, we selected a textile material that creates a comfortable and protected environment without visually weighing down the structures. This choice aims to recreate the atmosphere of a tent, the quintessential accommodation that backpackers and hikers choose for an experience deeply in contact with nature.

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About the Second Prize – Ronay Baris Civas – Karaca Architekten
“Sophisticated integration into local architecture. Excellent thought of viewing experience, inviting the whole nature into the living space. 360-degree view from the bedroom, perfect for a backpacker’s dream.”

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3RD PLACE

Assemble Your Banaue Lodge
Varuzhan Kochkoyan
Armenia

 

Assemble Your Banaue Lodge

The ikers’ lodge in Batad village exemplifies sustainable design and integration with its natural and cultural surroundings. Inspired by traditional Ifugao huts, the pavilion is elevated on wooden columns to minimize ground contact and let the rice fields breathe with minimal disturbance. It consists of six flexible modules that can be assembled separately or together, depending on the combinations needed for accommodation, events, classrooms, and other uses by locals and tourists. Upon arrival, hikers receive an assembly guide and can assemble a module alone. The assembly process is made as easy as possible considering the energy expended during the hike, yet it is intended to spark conversations with locals who can be asked to assist. Constructed from locally sourced sustainable materials and recycled plastic, the pavilion promotes slow and sustainable tourism. It features essential amenities in compact storage compartments and a hygiene hub that recycles on-site water for hygiene functions and returns it filtered to the environment, maintaining the site’s ecological balance. Transported on-site, it significantly reduces CO2 emissions. The pavilion serves as a multifunctional hub, enriching the lives of both residents and visitors while honoring Batad’s heritage and landscape. Additionally, its strategic placement ensures that it does not obstruct views from existing buildings, preserving the village’s aesthetic and cultural integrity. The design also considers seasonal changes, ensuring year-round usability and comfort for all who use it. The pavilion is a testament to sustainable living, fostering a deeper connection between visitors and the natural beauty of Batad while supporting the local community.

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About the Third Prize – Nikhil Calas – Faire
“Simple and minimal answer to the brief, leaving most of the site free. The project welcomes clearly both locals and tourists, and functions like a “machine à habiter”.”

 

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GOLDEN MENTIONS

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Berk Kip
USA

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Cefelo Manuel, Denise Chang, Franz Diaz
Philippines – USA

Categories: Results
Date: July 22, 2024